MelaFix Question

[wengdragon]

I change the water yesterday and today i found out that something white is growing on my pearll danio's mouth, i think it was Ich since it was tring to scrach itself, but it only grow on the mouth. so i think it is mouth fungus, before it can get any worse i put some melafix into the tank. however i only put half the amount it recommand since i got otto cat in the tank too...
so can half amount of melafix still effectly treat the mouth fungus?
If i use as direct will it kill my otto?
please help me

 

[DIYMatt]

First, I am by know means an expert on diseases or cures. But, I have used and use Melafix. I have never had any issues at all. In fact, I have shrimp in the tanks I use Melafix on. I add a small amount with each water change as a preventative measure. It seems to have helped my Praecox & threadfin Rainbows and their mouth issues. I would say your Ottos should be fine at the full dose. I have used it at full dose in a tank with Ottos. Is there some reason why you think it would harm the Otto?

Second, IME, Melafix is not always an effective cure. I would try it first though. Its main attraction for me is that it is not supposed to harm any plants or fish. If the fungus(if thats what it is) gets worse you may want to find a mouth fungus specific cure, then find out that medications affect on your fish. Its the pharmaceutical type meds that worry me, no matter what the packaging says.

 

[Leopardess]

Melafix is not truly a "medicine". It is more of a soother, like slime coat, that has *slight* concentrations of tea tree oil/antibacterial properties. It can help in preventing little infections, but not in curing fungal infections or strong bacterial infections. I use melafix to help heal fin rot faster, in conjunction with salt. I also use it after ich to help ward off secondary infections.

Mouth fungus is a flexibacter bacteria. It can be a very hard to get rid of infection and is highly contagious. I would purchase a medicine designed to treat it specifically, either Binox or Furan2. I've had success with both. If the disease worsens the lip/mouth will rot right off, causing an inability to eat, and then death.
Those (Binox/Furan) won't harm the oto.
Also, you can use full doses and then some of Melafix - it is all natural and has no ill effects on the fish, even otos.